Liverpool postpone pre-season return with club and players grieving following tragic death of Diogo Jota
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LIVERPOOL have delayed their players' return for pre-season in the wake of Diogo Jota's tragic death.
The Kop star and Portugal international died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday morning, aged 28, along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.
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Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota was killed in a car crash in Spain on Thursday
Credit: AP
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Jota's younger brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash
Credit: FC Porto
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Arne Slot's troops' return to training has been postponed following Jota's passing
Credit: EPA
And his passing has prompted the Merseyside club to delay the first group of Arne Slot's troops' proposed return to training, which was scheduled for Friday.
Tributes have poured in from around the world for the late dad of three, who lost his life less than two weeks after tying the knot with childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso.
Team-mate Mohamed Salah said: 'I am truly lost for words.
"Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break.
'Team-mates come and go, but not like this. It's going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won't be there when we go back.
'My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children.
'Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.'
Former Kop chief Jurgen Klopp said: "This is a moment where I struggle!
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"There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!
"I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
Diogo Jota killed alongside brother in Lamborghini crash days after marrying childhood sweetheart
'Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!
'All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace."
Reds boss Slot said: "What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?
"I wish I had the words but I know I do not.
"All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.
"My first thoughts are not those of a football manager.
I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre
Jurgen Klopp
"They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.
"My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone.
"The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.
"This is not solely a response to tragedy.
"It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole."
Jota and his brother will be laid to rest on Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal.
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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Diogo Jota death: Ronaldo, Nadal, LeBron mourn, share condolences
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day," the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo also shared his condolences as players and clubs around the world issued statements Thursday. "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married," Ronaldo said on social media. "To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." Nao faz sentido. Ainda agora estavamos juntos na Selecao, ainda agora tinhas casado. A tua familia, a tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a forca do mundo. Sei que estaras sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e Andre. Vamos todos sentir... — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared a statement on social media: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel - they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community," Infantino said. "On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace." Tennis legend Rafael Nadal said in a social media post: "What terribly sad and painful news." Que noticia tan triste y dolorosa ???? Todo mi carino, mi afecto y mi apoyo para su mujer, sus hijos, sus familiares y sus amigos en un momento tan dificil. Descansad en Paz, Diogo Jota y Andre Silva. — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 3, 2025 NBA superstar LeBron James, who is a minority owner of Liverpool FC, also posted a message on social media. My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! ????????????????????????? — LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025 Atletico Madrid, which Jota played from 2016-2018: Atletico de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. May they rest in peace. — Atletico de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 3, 2025 FC Porto, the Portuguese club where Jota played on loan from 2016-17: O Futebol Clube do Porto esta de luto. E com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolencias a familia e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmao Andre Silva, que tambem foi nosso atleta nos escaloes de formacao. Descansem em paz.#FCPorto — FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025 Here are some other social media posts from the soccer world Thursday: The adidas family is deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and all who know and love them. Diogo will be remembered as a Champion on and off the football pitch. — adidas Football (@adidasfootball) July 3, 2025 On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected... — UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025 Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion... — Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2025 Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today's heartbreaking news. — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 3, 2025 Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo. — Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2025 Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time. ???? — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025 We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota's passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo's young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo. ? — Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 3, 2025 Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time. — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 3, 2025 Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time. — Everton (@Everton) July 3, 2025 (This story was updated to add a video.) The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news -- fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an 'incredible person'
Coady and Jota won the Championship title together at Molineux as defender reacts to Liverpool star's death Conor Coady has paid tribute to his "amazing friend" Diogo Jota after his death. The Liverpool star was killed in a car crash in Spain in the early hours on Thursday morning, along with his brother Andre Silva. The brothers' funerals will take place today in Porto, wth the current Anfield squad in attendance to say goodbye to their teammate. Coady, who is expected to join Rangers from Leicester City in the coming days, heard of Jota's death during pre-season training with the Foxes. The pair were teammates at Wolves, winning the Championship title together in 2017-18 before qualifying for the Europa League after their first season back in the English Premier League. Coafy admitted the news hit him heard after hearing, but wants to celebrate the life of his friend. "I think we'll all remember where we were, but it goes bigger than football, what we're all feeling now," Coady told BBC Sport. "This has hit everybody hard. And it will hit everybody hard for a long, long time because Diogo was a fantastic human being, an amazing friend, an amazing husband, an amazing father and an absolute incredible footballer for all the clubs he has played for. "He was an unbelievable person. This is celebrating an incredible human being. A human being who should never left us this early and this [early] into an amazing career." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'I owned Jota's favourite coffee shop – I texted his wife day before the crash'
Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Thursday morning, and the 28-year-old will be remembered by an acquaintance from his days with Wolves Diogo Jota has been hailed as a 'humble' individual who 'never said no to fans' by the owner of a coffee shop he frequented during his time with Wolves. The 28-year-old lost his life in a tragic car accident on Thursday, alongside his brother, Andre Silva. A hush descended on the sport when the heart-rending news broke of Liverpool star Jota's fatal car accident, which occurred in Zamora province, Spain, and also took the life of his 26-year-old brother. Tributes have not stopped pouring in for the late Portugal forward, and one individual who knew Jota and his wife Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children, incredibly well is former Wolverhampton coffee shop owner Monica Ferreira. Ferreira lived in the city for about six years, and there, she pioneered with her shop, Aromas De Portugal. Wolves' Portuguese contingent were big fans of the venue, and Jota often visited with his partner, having joined the club in 2018 before leaving for Anfield two years later. "I opened my coffee shop and he was one of the first customers," Ferreira exclusively told Mirror Sport. "Myself, I don't know too much about football, so I didn't know him in the first place. My husband, when he saw him, recognised him. "He was a normal customer. He was very polite, very humble as well, like everyone knows. And he was very nice with everyone. After his first visit to the coffee shop, he was a regular. Every time he could come to the coffee shop, he was coming with his wife. "We did some dinners with Ruben Neves [Former Wolves and current Al-Hilal midfielder] as well. They were very friendly. Really nice people. Everyone is devastated with the news." Ferreira shared that Jota was often swamped by fans who adored him as he lit up Molineux, but he was always warm, never denying a request for a picture or autograph. "Everyone was going to the coffee shop to see if they could meet the players there," she continued. "To have some autographs, some photos, that kind of stuff. Every time Diogo had a fan from Wolves coming to him, he was the first person to say yes to a photograph, to a signature. He never said no. "Even when he was with his wife, sometimes I closed the coffee shop so they could have some dinner, the Wolves players. But every time I had people at the door knocking because they want some photos. And every time, they were very nice with the fans." Ferreira detailed exactly where she was when she was informed of Jota's devastating passing, explaining that she had only just offered her congratulations to him and his wife, who were married on June 22, 11 days before his death. "It was my husband who called me. He said something like, 'Do you know who passed away? I said, 'No.' He said, 'It was Diogo,'" she continued. "I didn't believe it, to be honest. I couldn't believe it. He was such a nice person with a heart in the right place. It was really, really shocking. And because he was married just a few days before, and his wife was posting some photos. We had some friends in common as well. "I just had put literally a like on one of the photos from the marriage, from his wedding. And I was just sending a text to her. And when I found out, it was the following day. So we were really, really surprised." The owner of Jota's favoured shop, who has since sold the venue and moved to Portugal, hopes to attend the star's funeral and believes that the turnout should be worthy of such a beloved figure. "His wife is devastated," added Ferreira. "She needs a lot of people to be with her. They're going to need a lot of support. His wife, their parents, because they lost two kids. It's really hard. "I'm not sure what's going to happen [at the funeral], if it's going to be a lot of people or not, but I believe so. He was someone that everyone loved here in Portugal, especially here in the north of the country. "Because they are from Gondomar, next to Porto. So here people are a little more friendly, more warm with each other. So I believe there's going to be a lot of people there. "I just want to respect them the most I can. I'm not a friend that talks with them every day. But I met them and they're really nice people. They didn't deserve this kind of things. He was a great human being."
